The effect of pars plana vitrectomy and transforming growth factor-beta 2 without epiretinal membrane peeling on full-thickness macular holes.

PURPOSE

Surgical techniques for the treatment of macular holes generally include removal of the overlying cortical vitreous and/or epiretinal membranes. The authors demonstrate that by using vitrectomy, posterior hyaloid removal, fluid-gas exchange, and transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-beta 2), a growth factor that modulates the wound healing process, epiretinal membrane peeling can be avoided and the surgical procedure thereby simplified without compromising results.

METHODS

A total of 24 eyes of 24 patients with stage 2, 3, or 4 full-thickness macular holes were treated. Of 24 patients, 1 was lost to follow-up after suffering a stroke; the remaining 23 (17 females and 6 males) (age range, 11-81 years; mean, 64 years) were followed for 5 to 16 months (mean, 12 months). Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity ranged from 20/50 to 20/400 (mean, 20/125). A standardized vitrectomy was performed with posterior hyaloid removal and, after a near-complete fluid-air exchange, 0.1 ml of a solution containing 1330 ng of TGF-beta 2 was instilled over the macular hole. No attempts were made to peel epiretinal membranes or drain fluid from the macular hole.

RESULTS

Of 23 eyes, 22 (96%) had resolution of the surrounding subretinal fluid and flattening of the macular hole (1 patient required a second procedure, in which visual improvement of 20/30 was achieved); 11 (48%) had visual acuities of 20/40 or better, 19 (85%) had visual acuities of 20/60 or better, and 19 (85%) showed an improvement in visual acuity of at least two lines (mean, 3.8 lines). The authors saw no retinal pigment epithelial mottling.

CONCLUSION

The authors' results demonstrate that treatment of macular holes using vitrectomy, fluid-gas exchange, and the instillation of a solution containing TGF-beta 2, without epiretinal membrane peeling, maintains efficacy while simplifying surgery.